Improvement and innovation

 

Our dedicated research and technical team are constantly working to improve our products. Not in isolation but in collaboration with universities, spreader manufacturers and, of course, our customers. 

We use both scientific lab tests and practical tests (spreading and storage tests) to seek out ways of optimizing our products. Our research department is constantly on the lookout for ways of improving both the properties and the production process of salt and its applications. It also goes without saying that our road-salt teams put their heads together with those of our customers to provide the best possible service with regard to the environment, cost-savings and product quality.

For example, currently we are working on a renewed anti-caking agent, which is a combination of tartrates and iron (mTA - meso-Tartrate). Tartrate is a natural substance derived from the viniculture that also occurs in tamarinds, black pepper and pineapples. Crucially, in combination with iron tartrates modify the structure of salt crystals. It is in this way that AkzoNobel mTA prevents caking. The new anti-caking agent is completely biodegradable. Once it enters soil or water, it decomposes rapidly into harmless elements. So, no needs to worry about possible contamination or pollution of surface water via runoff during storage or through melt water on the road. Currently, the application of mTA as anti-caking agent in road salt is being tested. 

If you want to stay informed of the latest developments in this new "green road salt"? Please send an email to roadsalt@akzonobel.com.